Algeria’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA Series tournament hit a snag as winger Adam Ounas, with 28 caps and 5 goals to his name, was notably absent from the squad set to face Bolivia in a friendly clash on Friday. The decision not to include Ounas, a key player for LOSC, stirred a wave of speculation regarding his whereabouts and intentions.
Rumors began circulating on Thursday evening suggesting that Ounas, like star player Riyad Mahrez, opted out of national team duty, purportedly to prioritize a family vacation in Asia.
Social media platforms buzzed with discussions fueled by a photo allegedly showing Ounas aboard a plane with his daughter, further fueling the speculation.
However, defenders of Ounas swiftly refuted claims that he deliberately snubbed the Algerian selection.
Amid the swirling controversy, Twitter users rallied to correct the narrative, emphasizing that Ounas had not turned down any call-up from the national team.
They highlighted his recent calf injury, which sidelined him for a month and only saw his return to club action with a brief appearance against Brest.
Amid conflicting reports, sentiments lean towards skepticism regarding Ounas’ alleged refusal to represent Algeria.
The 27-year-old winger has consistently expressed pride in donning the national team jersey, as evidenced by his post on social media following Algeria’s early exit from the AFCON 2024 tournament.
Despite the disappointment, Ounas reaffirmed his commitment to representing Algeria, emphasizing the deep bond shared with Algerian fans and the honor of representing the nation.
While uncertainties persist surrounding Ounas’ absence from the squad, it appears improbable that he would willingly bypass an opportunity to join the national team, given his unwavering dedication to Algerian football.
As Algeria gears up for the FIFA Series tournament, the speculation surrounding Ounas serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny and fervent support that accompany international football.
🚨🇩🇿| Une information selon laquelle Adam Ounas aurait refusé la sélection algérienne pour se concentrer sur son club circule, mais c’est totalement FAUX ❌
Adam Ounas n’a jamais refusé une seule sélection avec les Verts 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/oNEZh8KKIj
— Gio Ounas ❤️🤍 (@GioOunas) March 20, 2024